Three Met officers face hearings over death of Kevin Clarke

Three Met Police officers will face hearings following a reinvestigation into the death of Kevin Clarke, who died while being restrained by police.

The three officers will face proceedings for gross misconduct or gross incompetence following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reinvestigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Clarke’s death.

Mr Clarke, 35, who had schizophrenia, died in March 2018 after being restrained by officers in a field in Catford. 

An inquest at Southwark Coroner’s Court last year heard that the 35-year-old told officers “I’m going to die” as he was put into handcuffs, but was “ignored” and then lost consciousness as he was taken to an ambulance. 

The IOPC said two police constables should face gross misconduct hearings for alleged failure to provide an appropriate level of care to Mr Clarke.

The watchdog also determined that a police sergeant should be subject to gross incompetence proceedings for failing to adequately supervise the situation. 

This comes after an initial investigation into Mr Clarke’s death in 2018.

IOPC director Steve Noonan said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Kevin Clarke and all those affected by this incident.

“We have determined that two officers have cases to answer for gross misconduct.

“We also determined that a third officer should attend gross incompetence proceedings. 

“It is now for the MPS to organise proceedings for the three officers.”

The IOPC have also recommended a fourth officer, a police constable, should be subject to the reflective practice review regarding their actions while Mr Clarke was being walked to an ambulance.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, local policing commander for South-east London, said: “Throughout this process our thoughts and sympathies have been with Mr Clarke’s family. Following the conclusion of the inquest we acknowledged our failings as a police service and apologised to Mr Clarke’s family.

“I want to reiterate that apology today.

“I know this update will have a significant impact not only on the family but also the wider community, and want to offer my reassurance that we will look to bring these matters to a conclusion as soon as possible.

“It’s important we don’t pre-judge the outcome of proceedings in any way, but our communities rightly expect police officers to be subject to thorough scrutiny for the actions they take.

“We continually review our policies in line with national guidance around restraint as well as how we assist those in mental health crisis and are working with colleagues nationally to consider our training and guidance to officers in dealing with these kinds of fast paced and challenging incidents.”

Pictured top: Kevin Clarke (Picture: The Met)